Everyone relies on shipping fleets to deliver supplies, food and drink, and products to their homes and businesses. It takes a lot to become a successful shipping company, and most of this is down to how well you build and maintain your company’s reputation. With more options than ever, it can feel impossible to carve out a space in the industry, but it isn’t impossible; you merely need to know how to build a reputation that will make clients and customers take note. 

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Teach Your Drivers the Law 

It sounds obvious but making sure you employ drivers that understand the law is essential. A driver that knows how to navigate motorways and built-up areas with ease will dramatically reduce the number of disruptions. Of course, everyone is prone to lapses in judgement, no matter how adept they are, but this is where a traffic lawyer can assist and mitigate any problems. Whether you employ experienced drivers or those just starting their careers, you must provide the necessary courses to ensure they understand what they need to do. 

Make Safety a Priority 

Lorries and vans can often make other drivers nervous. These large, lumbering vehicles could pose a danger to others while on the road, so making safety a priority will help you establish a friendly, respectful brand. Showing an emphasis on driving practices that keep other road users safe will avoid accidents and also put a stop to angry phone calls who believe your drivers cut them off due to impatience at a junction. As important as it is to get the shipment there on time, this mustn’t come at the expense of other drivers, whether on the motorway or in residential areas. 

Be Transparent With Clients 

No matter how efficient your shipping process is, you must accept that delays happen. Most clients will understand that there is nothing you can do about this, even if the shipment is time-sensitive. However, problems arise when these delays happen too often. Your business will look unreliable, and you will soon lose contracts. If you are transparent with your clients and explain how and why there are delays, you will get some leeway. You can also use driver GPS systems to locate them so you can provide real-time updates and consider adjustments to ensure it does not happen again. 

Don’t Be Afraid to Evolve With the Times

Car companies are working hard to reduce carbon emissions and make their vehicles eco-friendly. This means there is a push to drop diesel and petrol vehicles in favour of electric models, so you should consider the possibility of an all-electric fleet for your shipments. Doing so will show clients that you are focused on a sustainable future and that you are not stuck in the old ways, which could set you apart from fleet companies that refuse to adapt. 

Built and Maintained 

Reputation is not built overnight. It can take months and even years to establish your shipping company as the number one option in your area, country, or even worldwide. If you consider this advice, you’ll find it easier to cultivate an image that will have the phone ringing all day long, giving you plenty of business opportunities. 

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About the Author: John Loughran